A Man of Character: The Perfect Fantasy Might Just Be Reality

Summary

An award-winning magical romantic comedy in which a bookstore owner must choose between fantasy and reality after realizing the men she's dating are characters she'd created years before...

"Locke breaks down tropes--the popular jock and the thoughtful poet--and puts cracks in their shining armor with humor and insight...Blending romance with whimsical fantasy, Locke's story offers up a look at the expectations of youthful fancy vs. the realities of an adult love." - Library Journal

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What would you do if you discovered the men you were dating were fictional characters you'd created long ago?

Thirty-five-year-old Catherine Schreiber has shelved love for good. Keeping her ailing bookstore afloat takes all her time, and she’s perfectly fine with that. So when several men ask her out in short order, she’s not sure what to do … especially since something about them seems eerily familiar.

A startling revelation -- that these men are fictional characters she’d created and forgotten years ago -- forces Cat to reevaluate her world and the people in it. Because these characters are alive. Here. Now. And most definitely in the flesh.

Her best friend, Eliza, a romance novel junkie craving her own Happily Ever After, is thrilled by the possibilities. The power to create Mr. Perfect -- who could pass that up? But can a relationship be real if it’s fiction? Caught between fantasy and reality, Cat must decide which -- or whom -- she wants more.

Blending humor with unusual twists, including a magical manuscript, a computer scientist in shining armor, and even a Regency ball, A Man of Character is a whimsical-yet-thought-provoking romantic comedy that tells a story not only of love, but also of the lengths we'll go for friendship, self-discovery, and second chances.

Reviews

A wonderful, fanciful, twisty tale just perfect for those down days that need a good laugh. The publisher's blurb gives clues, but can't begin to prepare you for all the laughs,both verbal and situational. No spoilers here, just go ahead and enjoy the read!I got this book in a cross promo and am so glad that I didn't let it get mired in my (ever increasing) TBR pile as I really needed it just now.

Romance isn't my typical genre, it tends to be too kitsch and over the top, but lately I've made a few exceptions, for a jaunt of escapism, and surprisingly good writing. Any genre can shine with just enough realism, fun, and excellent writing, and this book has all three. This story has a touch of fantasy, but as in the theme of many 80s movies, the fantasy is a catalyst, which drives the real message of honesty between people, and learning about yourself, and ultimately, figuring out who you want to be.